The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) is taking disciplinary action against its personnel after videos of alleged traffic violations and misconduct by some enforcers went viral on social media.
Team chief confirms incidents
Hyll Retuya, head of Team, confirmed that the agency is aware of the incidents captured on video. These include an alleged violation of the "no right turn" rule and questionable behavior toward a jeepney passenger.
According to Retuya, based on the video evidence, several personnel committed traffic violations while on duty. Two videos have gone viral: one shows enforcers turning onto a "no right turn" street, and another shows an enforcer grabbing a moving jeepney, which Retuya described as a grave mistake for the public to see.
Agency acknowledges lapses
Retuya acknowledged that the situation is concerning and not easily excused. He stated that while the full story is not yet determined, the agency recognizes that its personnel made errors.
"Based on the evidence we have seen, some of our personnel indeed violated the no right turn area, and there was an incident where an enforcer was seen holding onto a jeepney. This was caught on video, and while we have not yet obtained the full story, we acknowledge that there were lapses on our part," Retuya said.
He emphasized that the agency, responsible for enforcing traffic laws, must uphold the highest standards of compliance. Traffic enforcers should not be the first to violate the regulations they are tasked to implement.
"As law enforcers, we implement the rules, so we should not be the first to break the laws that we are supposed to enforce," he added.
Disciplinary measures underway
Retuya said he has already reminded Team personnel to strictly observe proper conduct while on duty. Following the incidents, he has issued warnings to the involved personnel and reminded them that disciplinary actions will depend on the severity of their actions.
He stated that accountability will be enforced if the violations are proven after an internal evaluation.
